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| Adventures of the Treasure Fleet: China Discovers the World | 
 enlarge | Author: Ann Martin Bowler
Creator: Lak-khee Tay-audouard
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $12.86
You Save: $7.09 (36%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $12.86
Avg. Customer Rating:  (6 reviews)
Sales Rank: 452411
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Hardcover
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 32
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 12.1 x 9.1 x 0.4
ISBN: 0804836736
EAN: 9780804836739
ASIN: 0804836736
Publication Date: December 15, 2006
Release Date: December 15, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Did you know that 85 years before Columbus discovered America, Chinese ships longer than a football field sailed thousands of miles through unknown oceans and visited more than 30 nations? It s true! Adventures of the Treasure Fleet is the amazing story of these seven epic voyages and they're larger-than-life commander, Admiral Zheng He.
Beginning in 1405, Admiral Zheng He led more than 300 gigantic, brightly-painted ships across the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean and all the way to the distant coast of Africa. The admiral and his crew battled pirates and raging storms, and were amazed by the people and ways of life in distant lands. At each port, Chinese goods were traded for pearls, precious stones, herbs and medicines which were given as tribute to China's powerful emperor when the ships' returned home.
Filled with historical facts, Adventures of the Treasure Fleet brings a fantastic piece of history to life. Gracefully told and beautifully illustrated, the story s fast pace will keep young ones captivated while offering enough information to satisfy curious readers of all ages.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 A Treasure Chest of History! May 23, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
ADVENTURES OF THE TREASURE FLEET is much more than a picture book. It is a chapter in world history--85 years before Columbus--that is rarely told. How have we missed the 6'tall Admiral Zheng He's incredible voyages in 300 huge Chinese ships, each the size of football fields? And pirates too! Ann Martin Bowler's detailed research and Lak-Khee Ty-Auduoard's wonderful art have made history an exciting adventure!
Highly recommended for public and children's library collections. May 13, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If you've dreamed of sailing in a lovely wooden ship around the world and exploring strange new land, be advised one emperor of early China dreamed of just such adventure - and achieved it! Years before European ships rounded the tip of Africa. "Adventures of the Treasure Fleet: China Discovers the World" is a picturebook recounting the true story of Admiral Zheng, who sailed on seven far-reaching expeditions five hundred years ago, at the behest of the Chinese emperor. Zheng's exploits fighting pirates, discovering new lands, and captaining the legendary "Treasure Fleet" make for a rousing adventure. Admiral Zheng He and his fleet of 'treasure ships' embarked on 7 different expeditions that sailed further than any thought possible - and continued the journey for over 28 years. Finely drawn and colorful pencil drawings by Singaporean artist Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard illustrate this amazing story, told in narrative format with additional historical facts mentioned at length on the bottoms of the pages. Highly recommended for public and children's library collections.
Teachers and Parents!! Great book to read to kids again and again! April 21, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This beautiful, engaging book delighted my 6th grade history students! The art work is detailed and gorgeous. There are 2 stories told here. One is historical fiction. It tells of the adventures of the Chinese Admiral who set out to explore for his emperor. The bottom boarder of each page contains the historical information related to each fictional page.
My students enjoyed spening time examining the beautiful, detailed artwork on each page.
The artwork alone would hold a younger child's attention as the story was read aloud by a parent or teacher.
What did I love most about this book? It inspired my students to ask questions, make connections and have conversations about ancient history!
A welcome addition to any library March 28, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a treasure of a book, with lively text and illustrations geared to pull the young reader into the world of yesteryear and many of its ancient cultures. In 1405, Admiral Zheng He led his fleet to an amazing number of ports around the world, creating trading routes and opening opportunities for modern commerce. Blended in are explanations of China's early inventions, boat building, the magnetic compass, navigation techniques, how to create diplomatic bonds with strangers, what was traded and how global trade developed at the hands of the Chinese and their partners, and more.
Bowler's roots as a teacher are on display. The reader is seamlessly transported into an ancient world, and made to think about how incredible these accomplishments must have felt to people without the modern conveniences we all take for granted. How to communicate among all the ships, navigate stormy waters, fight off pirates, and make friends with strangers in a language you do not share? Bowler entices her readers to think about how amazing all these accomplishments were.
Intricately detailed art work helps the reader visualize every day life, as well as different cultural characteristics of Africa, India, Siam (now Thailand), what we now call the Middle East, and of course, China. The artist shows homes, dress, animals, musical instruments, dinnerware and vases, food, plants, places of worship, boats, traded goods of different countries, and much more. The map at the end of the book helps the readers grasp the magnitude of the 35,000 miles of oceans traveled.
This book tells the story of many fantastic voyages of a visionary explorer in a way that should catch and hold the attention of the reader. What a terrific way to introduce an important piece of our global history and culture to primary and secondary school readers - as well as their parents!
Great new book for children March 8, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This beautifully illustrated and written book opens American children's eyes to a fascinating epoch in Chinese history--the great sailing of the "Treasure Fleet" on its several voyages all through Southeast Asia, India, the eastern coast of Africa, and all the way to the Red Sea. Not only does it open a window onto China's rich history, it also provides an excellent geography lesson (thanks to some beautiful maps). Adults will enjoy reading it as well, especially since a "grown-up" history of these voyages is provided at the bottom of the pages. A superb effort!
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